Natural Support for Chronic Infections in Portland
If you're living with a chronic infection, you know how draining it can be not just physically, but emotionally and mentally.
Lingering illness can weaken the immune system, disrupt digestion, sap your energy, and leave you feeling stuck in a cycle of flare-ups and fatigue.
At Inner Sanctuary Wellness in Portland, we approach chronic infection holistically, offering acupuncture, herbal medicine, and body-based therapies to strengthen your system, improve resilience, and support long-term healing.
How Traditional Chinese Medicine Views Chronic Infection
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), chronic infection is seen as a deeper imbalance in the body’s ability to defend itself. This might be described as "latent heat," "dampness," or "qi deficiency" terms that reflect the body’s inability to clear out what doesn’t belong.
Rather than chasing symptoms, TCM works to build internal strength and clear underlying patterns that allow infection to persist. We treat both the current symptoms and the terrain that made your body susceptible in the first place.
Common Conditions We Support
We regularly treat patients navigating or recovering from:
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Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)
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Lyme disease and post-treatment Lyme syndrome
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Long COVID and post-viral syndromes
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Chronic sinus infections or bronchitis
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Urinary tract infections (UTIs) or yeast infections
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Digestive infections (like H. pylori, Candida overgrowth, SIBO)
Many clients come to us when antibiotics or conventional treatments have helped temporarily but the issue keeps coming back.
Acupuncture for Immune Support and Inflammation
Acupuncture works by regulating the nervous system, reducing systemic inflammation, and supporting blood flow to areas affected by chronic illness.
When the immune system is overworked or confused, acupuncture helps rebalance immune function and calm overactive stress responses that contribute to flare-ups.
Benefits may include:
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Less fatigue and brain fog
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More stable digestion and elimination
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Reduced flare frequency or severity
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Improved sleep, mood, and energy
Greater sense of vitality and control
Herbal Medicine for Chronic Infection
We often combine acupuncture with custom herbal formulas to strengthen your body’s defenses and help clear residual pathogens gently.
Herbs can help:
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Clear lingering heat and inflammation
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Break up phlegm or dampness in the lungs or gut
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Tonify blood and qi after long illness
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Regulate digestion and detox pathways
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Support antiviral or antimicrobial activity (naturally)
Formulas are chosen based on your health conditions, symptoms, and constitution not just a diagnosis code.
Creating Your Personalized Treatment Plan
No two people experience chronic infection the same way. Your treatment plan starts with an in-depth consultation, where we explore your full history and current experience.
We may recommend:
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Weekly acupuncture sessions for immune and nervous system regulation
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Herbal medicine to address specific infection types
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Gentle bodywork or cupping to support lymphatic flow
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Nutrition and lifestyle support to complement your care
Sessions are trauma-informed, paced to your energy level, and grounded in collaboration.
Is Acupuncture Safe for Ongoing Infections?
Yes. Our licensed acupuncturists work safely and gently with clients experiencing chronic infections or recovering from post-viral conditions. We also adjust care if you're immunocompromised or taking medications.
Mild side effects like soreness or fatigue are rare and temporary. Most clients feel calmer, clearer, and more energized after their sessions.
Other Health Conditions We Treat At Inner Sanctuary Wellness
Services We Offer To Help You Heal
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Can gentle bodywork be combined with acupuncture or herbs?Yes. We often recommend combining bodywork with acupuncture, cupping, or herbal medicine for a well-rounded approach to wellness.
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Will I feel sore after getting gentle bodywork done?Most clients feel relaxed or lighter. Some feel emotional or tired, which is part of the body's integration process. There is typically no soreness.
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Is gentle bodywork like a massage?It’s different in technique and intent. While massage works on muscle tissue with pressure, gentle bodywork focuses on the fascia, breath, and nervous system.
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Do I need to undress for the gentle bodywork session?No. Gentle bodywork is typically done fully clothed. Wear something comfortable and flexible.
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Do I need multiple sessions?That depends on your goals. For acute issues, one or two sessions may be enough. For chronic patterns, regular treatments yield the best results.
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Can I exercise afterward having cupping?It's best to rest or do light movement after your session to allow your body to process the effects. Avoid intense workouts for 24 hours.
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How long do the cupping marks last?Typically 3 to 7 days. The darker the mark, the more stagnation was present in that area.
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Is cupping painful?Most people find it deeply relaxing. A slight pulling or tightness is normal, but discomfort is rare and adjusted immediately.
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Can I wear makeup after getting Gua Sha treatment?After facial Gua Sha, it's best to let your skin breathe for a few hours. We apply a nourishing serum post-treatment to soothe and hydrate.
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Will Gua Sha leave bruises?Not exactly. The marks (known as sha) are different from bruises and indicate stagnant blood or fluids moving toward the surface. They are not painful and fade quickly.
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How many Gua Sha sessions will I need?Some clients feel results after one session, while others benefit from a series. For facial Gua Sha, weekly treatments for a month may offer the best cosmetic benefits.
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Does Gua Sha hurt?Gua Sha is usually gentle and relaxing. On tight or stagnant areas, you may feel a slight pulling sensation, but discomfort is minimal and always adjustable.
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Is this like Western herbalism?There is overlap, but Chinese herbal medicine is more diagnostically precise and formula-driven. More like prescription care than casual supplement use.
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Do the herbs taste bad?Some do, some don’t! But we’ll work with your preferences, capsules and tinctures are great options for sensitive taste buds.
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Are there side effects taking Herbal medicine?Side effects are rare and usually mild (such as temporary digestive changes). We monitor you closely and make formula changes as needed.
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Can I take herbs with my medications?In most cases, yes but we always check for contraindications first. Safety first.
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Can I combine acupuncture with other treatments?Absolutely. Acupuncture works beautifully alongside physical therapy, counseling, massage, and more.
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Is acupuncture safe?Yes. We use sterile, single-use needles and follow strict hygiene protocols.
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Is Acupuncture painful?Most people feel little to no pain, just a tiny pinch or pressure that quickly fades.
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Will insurance cover it?I am in-network with the following insurance companies: Blue Cross/Regence Aetna CareOregon Triwest (Veteran's Affairs) United PacificSource Moda (effective 2/25) Kaiser foundation health plan of the northwest (Intel) I am not in-network with the rest of Kaiser, which includes Kaiser OHP.
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